Yep, that’s what you think it is.

Sometimes it is impossible to find humor in a crappy situation or experience (unless you’re my dad and can make people laugh at a funeral).  Getting slapped in the face by your 2 year old,  dealing with insurance companies and incompetent people (currently on hold now while typing this post), your car breaking down…there’s just nothing comical about these happenings.

When you are in the thick of it, it’s so hard to look at the bright side and muster up a good laugh, though these are the times when we need it the most.  It’s important to be able to recognize when we are on the verge and in need of a good belly laugh.  This is when we should go to dinner with that friend that understands us and can give us that gift of extreme sarcasm or tell us a story that gets us rolling on the floor.  It’s incredible how something  so small can literally make everything feel right in the world.

Laughter is a natural medicine; it releases endorphins in our bodies and makes us happy.  I remember my mom mentioning a friend who was receiving chemotherapy and was using laughter therapy in her recovery.  Not only is the act of laughing mentally beneficial, (lifts up your spirits and reduces stress) it is physically beneficial as well.  I’ve definitely woken up after a fun night with friends and been sore from laughing so hard.  I’m quite certain that we all need a little more laughter in our lives these days.

I can rely on my husband to give some comic relief in the middle of a frustrating situation, and I have a few girl friends who can make me laugh at the drop of a hat.  Who makes you laugh…spend more time with those people and maybe less time with the people that don’t bring any humor to the table or who drain that sparkle out of you.

If you aren’t surrounded by funny people, or have a hard time finding humor in day to day life, search for some comedians on YouTube that can knock your socks off or maybe even a podcast you can listen to on your commute or while your following your toddler around the house (insert earbuds, they’ll have no idea).

Get your laugh on this week!